Training of Prosecutors and Investigation Officers for Improved Police-Prosecutors' Cooperation in Criminal Cases, 23 - 25 September 2019, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)

25 September 2019 - Skardu,  Prosecution is one of the main planks of the criminal justice system; the job of a prosecutor is almost parental in nature, commencing from the registration of the First Information Report (FIR) and remaining in place till the culmination of the case. During the phases of investigation, the prosecution is there to give its opinion, and plan its process in coordination with that of the investigating agency. After the completion of investigation, the prosecution must scrutinize the cases to make the appropriate prosecutorial decisions. Similarly, during trial the prosecutor assists the court to arrive at an appropriate conclusion of the issue. 

Over the course of the past year, the UNODC Office in Pakistan (COPAK) has developed a programme for assistance in the area of police and prosecution services under its Country Programme II (CP2) for Pakistan 2016 - 2019, in consultation with the Government of Pakistan (GOP). UNODC COPAK is currently implementing several components, particularly in the areas of police and prosecution cooperation in Pakistan.

For this purpose, UNODC Pakistan conducted a training on Police - Prosecutors Cooperation from 23 to 25 September 2019, targetting prosecutors and investigation officers in Gilgit-Baltistan, in collaboration with the Law and Prosecution Department of GB. The purpose of this training was to impart understanding of the roles and responsibilities of prosecutors and investigation officers before, during, and after the investigation of a criminal offense; and their cooperation throughout the process. A total of 24 officials participated in the training, comprising 12 investigation officers and 12 prosecutors.

On the closing day, the Deputy Secretary Law and Prosecution Department, Mr Shafiqur Rehman appreciated the support being provided by UNODC COPAK over the past several years. He stated that police and prosecution were very important actors in the criminal justice chain, and their cooperation very crucial for the administration of justice. He noted that such training sessions were very valuable. This training is one of the series of targetted trainings being conducted by UNODC COPAK Pakistan for the police and prosecutors of Pakistan. UNODC Pakistan will continue to support these principal actors in the criminal justice system in the future as well.